Ayn Rand’s novel “The Fountainhead” explores themes of individualism and creativity through the lens of Objectivism, her philosophical system. The story centers on Howard Roark, an architect whose unwavering commitment to his artistic vision exemplifies Rand’s belief in the primacy of individual achievement and self-interest. Roark’s struggles against societal norms and expectations serve to illustrate…
Ayn Rand, originally named Alisa Zinovyevna Rosenbaum, was born on February 2, 1905, in St. Petersburg, Russia. She grew up in a middle-class Jewish family during a period of significant political and social upheaval, including the Russian Revolution. These early experiences profoundly influenced her later philosophical and literary work, particularly her opposition to collectivism and…
Objectivism is a philosophical system developed in the mid-20th century that has attracted both strong supporters and critics. The core tenets of Objectivism include rational self-interest, individualism, and the pursuit of personal happiness as the highest moral purpose. This philosophy emerged in the aftermath of World War II, during a period of significant social and…